1972-73

• A new rival league, the World Hockey Association, begins play, siphoning talent from NHL rosters. Among NHL stars defecting to the new league are Gordie Howe, Bobby Hull, Bernie Parent, J.C. Tremblay and Johnnie McKenzie.

• In response to the WHA's startup, the NHL hastily adds two new teams -- the Atlanta Flames and the New York Islanders -- in an attempt to bar the WHA from newly constructed arenas in Long Island and the Georgia capital.

• The Montreal Canadiens beat the Chicago Black Hawks in six games to win their 18th Stanley Cup.